Distribution
"E. elaterium" is native to Europe, northern Africa, and temperate areas of Asia, and is considered an invasive species. It is grown as an ornamental plant elsewhere, and in some places it has naturalized.
Evolution
This section needs more for or relies too heavily on. Please review the contents of the section and if you can. Unsourced or poorly sourced material may be challenged and."Find sources:" – · · · · ""Elaterium" is the cucurbitacin extract used in ancient history as a purgative in folk medicine. Extracted from the juice of the fruit of "E. elaterium", elaterium was discovered by Stirling in 1835. "Elaterin" is extracted from elaterium by chloroform and then precipitated by ether. It has the formula C32H44O7. It forms colorless scales which have a bitter taste, with evidence as a poison when consumed through the nose or mouth. The "British pharmacopeia" contained a preparation, the "Pulvis Elaterini Compositus".
According to the "Encyclopædia Britannica" Eleventh Edition, "[t]he action of this extract resembles that of the saline aperients, but is much more powerful. It is the most active hydragogue purgative known, 'causing also much depression and violent griping'. When injected subcutaneously, it is inert, as its action is entirely dependent upon its admixture with the bile. The drug is undoubtedly valuable in cases of dropsy and Bright's disease, and also in cases of cerebral haemorrhage, threatened or present. It must not be used except in urgent cases, and must invariably be employed with the utmost care, especially if the state of the heart be unsatisfactory."
In the 21st century, elaterium and its constituents are considered a poison, with several case reports of hospitalization, edema of the uvula, and necrosis of the nasal mucosa resulting from nasal or oral consumption.
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